Going it alone as an NQT? Fear not, help is at hand

Let’s hope teacher training has been going according to plan. You’ve been wonderfully supported by mentors, teacher colleagues. Other members of school staff have been eager to offer their help too…?

How are you feeling about the prospect of a ‘proper’ teaching job? On the plus side, you’ll be able to develop your own teaching style without the pressure of constant observation and assessment and very soon you’ll be memorising the names of your very own students.

This, of course, is what you’ve been preparing for. But that doesn’t mean the thought of ‘going it alone’ isn’t daunting. You’ll have a heavier teaching load and increased reporting and pastoral responsibilities – and that’s what it’s all about.

Wonders of the web

There’s lots to consider when you’re starting the next phase in your career. Getting your CV ready and choosing the right school is important, but so is knowing what to expect of your Induction programme. Forewarned is forearmed, and preparation time will never be wasted. In 2018 it can’t be news to anyone, but, as long as you have an internet connection, the world is your oyster. There is no problem that you can’t ask Google about, and as a Newly Qualified Teacher, your phone is a powerful tool to have in your pocket. Take a moment to follow the links below:

NQT lesson plans

At Hourglass Education we hear a lot about our teachers’ lesson plans. It’s as if they represent all the highs – and the lows that a teacher can experience in a classroom! We’re told that some of the most enjoyable teaching moments happen when the group is off-plan, and the teacher is winging it – in the best possible way. But one thing is sure, it takes an extremely confident teacher to be happy to go into a classroom underprepared.

Keep in touch

If you’ve had a good relationship during your teacher training, it is definitely worth keeping in touch with your faculty network. They’re likely to be flattered when you drop them a line, and most people would be happy to help or point you in the direction of the answer to your question.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, identify for kindred spirits. This could be your WhatsApp group from College or handpicked newly qualified teachers at your new school. Finding people who are facing the same day to day issues can be (almost literally) a lifesaver! Besides, there will be hundreds of things you want to ask and share that will only be truly appreciated by those who have lived through what you’re experiencing. Online chatrooms and forums mean that even if your peers can’t help, someone will be able to. Don’t be shy – virtual networks work too:

Don’t be a stranger

Hourglass Education Consultants spend most of their time talking to teachers. This gives them a unique insight into what makes NQTs tick, and which placements provide the best start in a teaching career. They might not be au fait with the finer points of your subject knowledge – but they’re more than likely to give it a go! Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Hourglass Education

Why Hourglass?

We are proud to assert that education underpins everything we do within our company; our directors’ education background helps us to match our teachers to prospective teaching posts with great care and consideration...Read more